The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is celebrating a major victory for Montana ranchers, public lands grazing, and the rule of law following the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final decision on May 8, 2026, to revoke bison grazing permits on seven Phillips County allotments.
The decision follows years of advocacy from MSGA, alongside the North and South Phillips County Grazing Districts, who filed an appeal in 2022 challenging BLM’s original authorization of bison grazing permits and petitioned for a stay based on violations of the Taylor Grazing Act (TGA).
After a full review directed by the Department of the Interior (DOI), BLM determined the bison currently on the allotments did not meet the production-oriented livestock requirements established under the Taylor Grazing Act. The agency concluded that the bison were primarily managed for conservation and ecological restoration purposes rather than domestic livestock production, making the permits inconsistent with federal law. The final decision rescinds bison grazing authorizations, issues cattle‑only permits where appropriate, and provides for an orderly transition period for the removal of bison from public lands by September 30, 2026.
“MSGA applauds DOI and the BLM’s decision to uphold the tenets of the Taylor Grazing Act. This decision affirms what livestock producers have long argued for in the compliance of governing law,” said MSGA President Lesley Robinson.
This landmark outcome reinforces the importance of lawful public lands management and ensures federal grazing policies remain aligned with the original intent of supporting working ranchers, rural communities, and agricultural production.
Since the initial 2022 decision, MSGA has consistently argued that BLM failed to properly apply the law and overstepped its statutory authority by allowing bison grazing outside the production livestock framework required under the TGA. This final decision validates those concerns and marks a significant precedent for public lands grazing policy across the West.
MSGA remains committed to defending ranching families, protecting multiple-use public lands, and ensuring federal agencies follow established law in land management decisions. Additionally, we thank all who collectively worked to protect public land grazing.
To learn more, visit www.mtbeef.org.
The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With over 140 years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.
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